Hold the Dream (1986)

The love of her life was there all along, she just didn't know it. This is the sequel to the outstanding A Woman of Substance, which was a sort of Upstairs Downstairs meets Gone with the Wind. As sequels go, it's a little like the sequel to Gone with the Wind: it's not devoid of merit, but it's not as captivating or enthralling as the original. In Hold the Dream, Paula Fairley (Jenny Seagrove) inherits and runs the retail empire built by her grandmother, Emma Harte (Deborah Kerr). This somewhat lackluster tale of dutiful, hard-working Harte versus undeserving, greedy heirs set in the rather sterile world of 1980s New York City penthouses and English country manors lacks both its precursor's production budget and inspiring poor-girl-makes-good conviction.

On the other hand, the love story between Paula and Shane (7th Heaven's Stephen Collins) manages to transcend the miniseries' weaknesses. Overcoming obstacles, tragedy, and deceit on numerous fronts, Paula remains driven by her sense of duty and business acumen. Finally learning that she cannot live on work and her grandmother's dream alone, Paula slowly warms to the possibility of true love. Her most loyal supporter and lifelong friend Shane helps her see that her own dreams can be the most rewarding. Wonderful performances by Seagrove and Collins make Hold the Dream a heartwarming tale about a powerful businesswoman learning to look beyond the bottom line and accept the love of a man who has loved her in silence her whole life. --Tara Chace Amazon.com

Love It!!

Hold The Dream is the story of Emma Harte's granddaughter and heir, Paula, and the way she tries to juggle business and her family. I started to say it's like a soap opera because of the suspense and backstabbing going on, but it's better than a soap because there is some conclusion. I would suggest buying A Woman Of Substance, too and looking at it first. It's set in the early 1900's and gives a background on Emma Harte. You'll understand Hold The Dream better. I love these movies. They are not boring, but are filled with excitement, intrigue and all the good and bad that make up this family. They don't make mini-series like this anymore. What a pity! July 2, 2008

Another Mediocre Sequel?

While no where near as good as "A Woman of Substance" it is still worth watching. If you fell in love with Emma Harte how can you not watch the second part of the story? The best character of the movie is of course Jenny Seagrove.I'd love that they cast er as the star in this one too. Why have I never seen her star in another movie? She is just excellent as in "Substance." Stephen Collins is a great lead but the chemistry is pretty low between them. The worst part of the entire story is Paula marrying a Fairley? I honestly couldnt stomach that one after seeing them try to ruin Emma a generation before. The best part? Emma & Blackey O"Neill FINALLY declare their love. January 13, 2002

Full Of Strength & Full Of Drama

Hold the Dream is a second part of a series. It is based on a family which came from poor to powerful. The Series is one of the best I've seen. It will build self esteem and make you aware of others who have to struggle each day. It will help you to learn to endure. December 10, 2001

The Great Saga Continues - Hold the Dream

As with "A Woman of Substance" this movie carries on with Emma Harte's granddaughter Paula who is charged to hold Emma's dream. True to her previous movie this story stuck very close to the book. I love this story and I can't wait to watch the third one "To Be The Best". Watch and love! August 30, 2000

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